The situation was resolved without further incident or injury to any parties involved

On Tuesday (Jan. 3) at about 9 a.m., Battle Ground Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of W. Main Street and NW 20^th Avenue for a report of a person in crisis.  The subject, located inside of a personal vehicle, was reported to be armed with a knife and threatening to harm himself. 

Once on scene officers utilized de-escalation measures and contacted the business attached to the parking lot where the subject vehicle was parked to ensure the safety of the individuals inside.  Medical personnel from Fire District 3 and American Medical Response staged nearby while crisis communicators contacted the subject.  Shortly before noon, this situation resolved without further incident or injury to any parties involved. 

“It takes incredible patience and keen communication skills when trying to provide aid to a person in crisis,” said Chief Mike Fort.   “I am grateful for the Battle Ground police officers as well as those from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Vancouver Police Department who assisted in this incident.”

The Battle Ground Police Department would also like to thank the members of the community affected by this incident for their cooperation and support as officers worked to help the person in crisis. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis there are services available to help.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 9-8-8. Callers will be connected to trained counselors that will provide free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources for them or their loved ones.

For urgent behavioral health crisis, the Clark County Crisis line will connect callers to mental health professions at (800) 626-8137.  Emergency situations requiring an immediate on-scene response, dial 9-1-1.

Information provided by city of Battle Ground.